Zecos is the name of the overall European Project in which Ballynagran, along with 7 other NW Europe Communities, is participating. Zecos stands for a Zero CO2e Emission Certification System and the Ballynagran Project is a vital part of the research in developing this Emission Certification System.

We have assembled some information about InterReg and the Zecos Project - see this link Our Partners
The link to the Zecos website is here Zecos Website

Wicklow County Council is the leading local authority in Ireland with regard to Environmental Awareness, Education and Research and their Community, Culture and Social Development Department has been particularly helpful to this project.

They have also administered additional funding through Ballynagran Environmental Community Projects and Works Grant Scheme (BECWGS).

Funding has been secured from Wicklow County Council in association with Greenstar Ballynagran Landfill Community Fund for the first phase of the project.

This involves completing an energy audit of every participating home in the study area, retrofitting the local primary school with Passive House Standard materials and an environmental educational programme.

The first year's effort will provide a very sound basis for subsequent phases which will see the upgrading of homes and business to significantly reduce their energy consumption.

Such works could be done by a Retrofitting Cooperative, owned and operated by the local community, providing sustainable "Green Collar" employment.

Studies into the possibility of establishing a Community Forest, a Community Allotment Scheme and a Community Wind Farm are about to begin.

The feasibility of establishing community electric-car-charging points and expanding the current walking trails are also being explored.

Education and Innovation to Improve our Environment and make OurPlace a better place

Wicklow County Campus

Immediately adjacent to the Ballynagran Energy⁺ Plus community.

Provides lifelong learning higher education programmes on a part-time basis in partnership with The Institute of Technology Carlow (IT Carlow).

Comprises spacious offices, meeting rooms, as well as a large conference venue, classrooms, a college library and IT rooms.

Wicklow County Council aims to develop Wicklow County Campus as a Centre of Excellence in Enterprise, Education and Innovation in County Wicklow.The Council's objective is that that the campus acts as a catalyst for Economic Development in the County.

The Council is committed to placing :

renewable energy technologies and sustainable design at its core with a parallel emphasis on Passive House construction and zero energy building.

Can You Influence How this Project is Implemented?

How to get involved

If you wish to participate in the project and avail of the free energy audit, radon test, light bulbs and other community benefits, please contact us through our website